African Rail Company (ARC), is pleased to confirm that it has been awarded Open Access operating slots on Transnet’s rail network. The confirmation was received on 22 August 2025, following the Department of Transport’s media briefing led by Minister of Transport, Ms. Barbara Creecy.
With a strong track record across Botswana, Malawi, Mozambique, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, ARC brings established operational expertise to South Africa. The company intends to apply its proven corridor management and customer-focused solutions to ensure reliable services on the domestic network.
This milestone marks an important step in strengthening South Africa’s logistics system. By opening access to private operators, the reform supports greater efficiency, competitiveness, and the movement of key commodities across the region. For ARC, it represents both an opportunity and a responsibility: to contribute to the success of the national rail network while expanding its role in regional trade.
“This recognition is the result of hard work and the collective effort of our team. It takes a village to reach milestones of this scale, and we are proud of what has been achieved. Beyond growing our business, our focus is on supporting the growth and efficiency of South Africa’s rail sector. Each step brings us closer to our vision of becoming Africa’s leading private rail operator,” said Youssef Elgonaid, Group CEO.
